Livestock worrying: New Scottish legislation sparks warning to dog owners
Date of alert:
Friday, 18 February 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Police Scotland
DOG owners in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to make sure their pets are under control when walking in rural areas.
Police, farmers, vets and council officials attended a launch event to make dog owners aware of the increased penalties now in force after the country’s new livestock worrying bill came into force.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 includes amendments to the penalties people can face which includes a fine up to £40,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
The legislation now covers a wider range of animals including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, camelids, ostriches, farmed deer, enclosed game birds or poultry.
The local launch has been timed to coincide with lambing season, when sheep and lambs are most vulnerable to attacks
